Soy formula update

GPs join calls for caution on soy milk for infants

In a press release dated November 3, 1999, the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners caution against the use of soy as an infant feed other than in very exceptional circumstances, stating that this represents only a very small number of infants.

Until the viability of soy products has been much more thoroughly and independently researched, it is unwise to encourage their use in opposition to dairy based formulas, or worse still, breast milk.

Further, society must do more as a whole to support women's choice to breastfeed. They recommend a major publicity campaign along the lines of other public health campaigns on alcohol and cigarettes, to encourage breastfeeding by new mothers. Such a campaign should aim to raise awareness of the benefits of breast feeding amongst the wider population, so that other people then support and encourage it.

If you wish to be involved in the campaign to eliminate genetically modified foods contact: